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The differences between curriculum specialists and curriculum writers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a curriculum specialist and a curriculum writer. Additionally, a curriculum writer has an average salary of $57,563, which is higher than the $50,949 average annual salary of a curriculum specialist.
The top three skills for a curriculum specialist include math, curriculum development and K-12. The most important skills for a curriculum writer are curriculum development, assessment items, and student achievement.
| Curriculum Specialist | Curriculum Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $50,949 | $57,563 |
| Hourly rate | $24.49 | $27.67 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 1,583 | 11,540 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The primary job of curriculum specialists is to develop, assess, and improve curricula and instruction. They are responsible for guiding teachers on their teaching methods, conducting research and making recommendations for improvements, and evaluating existing curricula alongside teachers and administrators. A curriculum specialist is expected to assist in creating and revising instructional materials, analyzing student data, and evaluating and improving the utilization of classroom materials. You are also responsible for finding appropriate curricula and textbooks to improve the student body's learning outcomes.
Curriculum writers are professionals who are responsible for developing new academic instructional materials, lessons, and activities to be used by teachers or instructional staff from school districts, media companies, and other businesses. These writers are required to conduct professional development sessions for all staff about the design and changes in the new curriculum. They must produce instructional videos to help educators and coaches in preparing educational and instructional materials. Curriculum writers must also head a pilot project to evaluate potential opportunities for extended learning through virtual classroom and distance learning strategies.
Curriculum specialists and curriculum writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Curriculum Specialist | Curriculum Writer | |
| Average salary | $50,949 | $57,563 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $70,000 | Between $35,000 And $94,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | - |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | - |
| Best paying company | AARP | - |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a curriculum specialist and a curriculum writer in terms of educational background:
| Curriculum Specialist | Curriculum Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Elementary Education | Elementary Education |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between curriculum specialists' and curriculum writers' demographics:
| Curriculum Specialist | Curriculum Writer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 22.9% Female, 77.1% | Male, 25.9% Female, 74.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 5.4% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.4% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |